Habitat loss has pervasive effects on alfa and gamma diversity, but its impacts on beta diversity are less clear, with possible outcomes ranging from biotic heterogenization (increase in beta diversity) to biotic homogenization (decrease in beta diversity). A powerful tool to understand beta diversity is Generalized Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM), which allows comparing different drivers of beta diversity and testing for non-linear responses to habitat loss. Here we applied GDM, for the first time, to test for the occurrence of non-linear changes in beta diversity following habitat loss, while controlling for spatial and methodological factors, as well as geographic distance. We used a comprehensive empirical dataset with 30 sites sampled for non-volant small mammals over a 10-year period within the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot. Forest cover was an important driver of total beta diversity and turnover, but not nestedness. A 20 % forest cover threshold was found for total beta diversity and turnover, with little compositional change below this threshold, suggesting the occurrence of biotic homogenization. This result was corroborated by a more traditional and categorical method, as multiple-site turnover was significantly lower for sites with low forest cover (<20 %) compared to both intermediate- (20-60 %) and high-cover sites (>60 %). The detection of a non-linear biotic homogenization can be useful to guide conservation initiatives, as it suggests the need to maintain >20 % of forest cover in landscapes to maintain biodiverse communities.

Ecosystem restoration is crucial worldwide to address environmental challenges. Many countries, including Brazil, have committed to restoring degraded landscapes at national and international levels. Brazil aims to restore twelve million hectares of degraded areas by 2030, which requires strategic decision-making to allocate resources effectively and balance biodiversity gains with societal benefits. Our modeling approach uses extensive biodiversity field data to identify priority areas for restoration across Brazil's diverse phytogeographic domains. By focusing on expanding native species habitats and enhancing connectivity, we aim to maximize ecological returns. Precisely, we pinpoint areas within each Brazilian phytogeographic domain with the greatest potential for habitat enhancement, including the Amazon's arc of deforestation, central Cerrado, the limits of Caatinga, Pampa, and Pantanal, and the coastal areas of the Atlantic Forest. Restoring 30 % of these areas approximately 76 million hectares could significantly benefit 11,028 species by increasing available habitat by up to 10 % and improving landscape functional connectivity by 60 %. Moreover, this restoration effort would capture up to 9.8 million tons of atmospheric carbon, contributing to global climate goals. As Brazil strives to meet national and international targets, we also advocate for economic incentives to support restoration practices within each phytogeographic domain. Integrating prioritization modeling into decision-making ensures optimal biodiversity and carbon stock outcomes to guide more effective restoration efforts. This comprehensive strategy helps advance restoration goals and underscores the vital role of science-based planning in safeguarding our planet's natural heritage.

Animal movements of wild species are in theory related to individual and species' traits such as sex and reproductive condition, and temporal variation in resource availability or population density. Understanding how individuals move within an area throughout life, how frequent exploratory and dispersive movement are in the population and which individual traits and environmental conditions influence movement are of great importance for understanding how animals respond to environmental changes. Using capture-mark-recapture data of Trinomys dimidiatus gathered for 8 years in a montane Atlantic Forest area, we describe movement patterns by comparing two distance metrics (ORL-Observed Range Length and SDT-Mean Successive Distance/Time); we also evaluate the influences of sex on these distance metrics and residence time and number of captures on ORL. Additionally, model selection was used to evaluate the role of individual traits and environmental factors on T. dimidiatus' movements. We recorded 44 individuals (60.27%) with restricted movement pattern and 29 individuals (39.73%) with broad movement pattern within our grid. Broad movement pattern was observed in individuals with both long and short residence time. Males presented larger distance metrics and movements than females. Individuals with greater residence time presented larger ORL, mainly males. Heavier individuals of both sexes presented larger movements than lighter ones, especially males. Males presented shorter movements in periods of increased rainfall, but females' movements did not respond to rainfall variations. Overall, body mass was more important than rainfall in determining movements. The results here show that T. dimidiatus may present different movement patterns, including exploratory or dispersive movements to a new core area. Also, we highlight the importance of individual traits and environmental factors and reinforce sexual differences in individuals' movements and lifetime use of space.

Pericardial fluid (PF) has been suggested as a reservoir of molecular targets that can be modulated for efficient repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we set out to address the content of this biofluid after MI, namely in terms of microRNAs (miRs) that are important modulators of the cardiac pathological response. PF was collected during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from two MI cohorts, patients with non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) and patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI), and a control group composed of patients with stable angina and without previous history of MI. The PF miR content was analyzed by small RNA sequencing, and its biological effect was assessed on human cardiac fibroblasts. PF accumulates fibrotic and inflammatory molecules in STEMI patients, namely causing the soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST-2), which inversely correlates with the left ventricle ejection fraction. Although the PF of the three patient groups induce similar levels of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast activation in vitro, RNA sequencing revealed that PF from STEMI patients is particularly enriched not only in pro-fibrotic miRs but also anti-fibrotic miRs. Among those, miR-22-3p was herein found to inhibit TGF-β-induced human cardiac fibroblast activation in vitro. PF constitutes an attractive source for screening diagnostic/prognostic miRs and for unveiling novel therapeutic targets in cardiac fibrosis.

Evolutionary theory predicts that viable wild populations confront environmental variation by maintaining the variance of the most important vital rates low, a phenomenon also known as demographic buffering. However, patterns diverging from the demographic buffering hypothesis have also been reported. Here we used Population Matrix Models to test the hypothesis of buffering in the early survival of an Atlantic Forest marsupial. We used sensitivity analyses, which allow quantifying the effects that perturbations in specific vital rates could have on the population’s growth rate. We obtained the sensitivities, elasticities, and second-order derivatives of the discrete population growth rate with respect to different vital rates for a population of the black-eared opossum ( Didelphis aurita , Marsupialia, Didelphidae) in a preserved Atlantic Forest, the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The second-order derivatives offer an insight into the selection forces occurring during the life cycle, clarifying the processes behind the common pattern of early-survival importance. We found evidence of buffering in early survival, however, in one of the cohorts, early survival displayed evidence of opposed behavior to the expected under demographic buffering, thus revealing that established life-history patterns can be quickly modified by a small change in one vital rate.

The square wooden frame and the digital photography are methods widely used to measure density or foliar obstruction of the understory (FOU) in structurally complex habitats. Here we compared these two methods by measuring FOU in two grids in the Garrafão, an area of Atlantic Forest in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Measures of FOU obtained were described by calculating the mean, median, and minimum and maximum values. FOU were compared between grids and methods using Mann-Whitney U tests for independent samples. Spearman correlations were used to compare methods. We found that FOU measurements obtained through the two methods are correlated, suggesting that both methods provide a measure that reflects the FOU. The advantages and disadvantages of using each method are discussed.

Anthropogenic climate change has emerged as a new threat to biodiversity over the last decades. It affects climate systems such as El Nin tilde o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) with possible impacts on mammal populations due to changes in local climate. Since this issue had not been addressed in any previous work, the main contribution of this research was the development of a Business Intelligence (BI) system which significantly supports the analysis of patterns in the variation of the population of small mammals in the tropical forest and its response to ENSO phenomenon. In this sense, a Data Warehouse (DW) and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) tool were built to support the analyses of the data amassed by a 22-year monitoring study of small mammal populations in a highly threatened biodiversity hotspot, the Atlantic Forest. The BI system was applied for three purposes: evaluating the population size trends throughout time, analyzing the relationship between ENSO events and local weather, and evaluating the effects of the most intense ENSO events on the population size of a small, endemic marsupial, Marmosops incanus. The data exploration started by the interactive and visual analyses of the BI dashboards, followed by a statistical analysis which confirmed some trends observed in the dashboards. Very strong and strong La Nin tilde a episodes reduced the average temperature and increased precipitation in the study area. These changes affected the population of M. incanus with a reduction in population size in short-term (4 and 6 months) as well as long-term (24 months), indicating the negative effects of reduced temperatures on the population dynamics. Since this BI system is available to the scientific community, we believe that it can stimulate further studies involving the relationship between the population dynamics of other Atlantic Forest species and changes in local and global climate.

Large animal models of heart failure play an essential role in the development of new therapeutic interventions due to their size and physiological similarities to humans. Efforts have been dedicated to creating a model of pressure-overload induced heart failure, and ascending aortic banding while still supra-coronary and not a perfect mimic of aortic stenosis in humans, closely resembling the human condition. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a minimally invasive approach to induce left ventricular pressure overload by placing an aortic band, precisely calibrated with percutaneously introduced high-fidelity pressure sensors. This method represents a refinement of the surgical procedure (3Rs), resulting in homogenous trans-stenotic gradients and reduced intragroup variability. Additionally, it enables swift and uneventful animal recovery, leading to minimal mortality rates. Throughout the study, animals were followed for up to 2 months after surgery, employing transthoracic echocardiography and pressure-volume loop analysis. However, longer follow-up periods can be achieved if desired. This large animal model proves valuable for testing new drugs, particularly those targeting hypertrophy and the structural and functional alterations associated with left ventricular pressure overload.

Introduction: There is a need for large animal models of pulmonary hypertension (PH) that allow application of new therapies in a translational setting. Aims and objectives: To develop a simple large animal model of PH with right ventricular (RV) failure, mimicking chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH). Previous attempts have used short suture segments, microspheres and pharmacological interventions. Methods: 2-month old pigs were used. Right heart catheterization (RHC) was performed, and a sheath was advanced into the left or right PA and a pressure transducer was placed at its tip. Long silk sutures were injected into the selected PA, while continuously recording pressures. Embolization was stopped when mean PAP≥40 mmHg, or occlusion of the selected branch. The procedure was repeated for 3 weeks, with a 3-6 weeks follow-up. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic analysis was performed and samples were collected. Results: Embolization led to an increase in PA pressure, which was attenuated at re-intervention, but aggravated during follow-up. A significant portion of both right and left lower lobes were obstructed. RHC showed severe PH development (mPAP = 49 +/- 5 mmHg). Significant RV hypertrophy and failure (lower TAPSE and EF) were observed. Adverse remodelling markers (MYH7/MYH6, NPPB and TNFA) were up-regulated, while ATP2A2 was down-regulated. Isolated skinned RV cardiomyocyte analysis showed significantly increased passive stiffness. Vascular remodelling was observed in distal arteries of the right upper lung lobe subjected to high flow/high shear stress. Conclusions: We created a model of chronic PH by injecting long sutures into the pulmonary circulation, without the need for additional hits.

This article introduces the special volume dedicated to one of the longest wildlife monitoring programs ever carried out in Brazil: the long-term study on small mammals developed by the Laboratório de Vertebrados at UFRJ from 1996 to 2019 in Garrafão, Municipality of Guapimirim, RJ. The guiding ideas of this study emerged from a previous project developed at the Restinga de Barra de Maricá, RJ, in the 1980s on the ecology of small mammal populations and communities. The main research objectives were related to community structure, population growth and population dynamics, aiming to understand the ecological processes and the mechanisms explaining the fluctuation of population size in several species over time. Initially, models of genetic population structure and population dynamics were tested. Further developments in the project allowed further aspects to be studied, such as diet and nutritional aspects, population genetics, use of space, habitat, biogeography, taxonomy and systematics. These approaches, based on relevant ecological questions, have provided advances in knowledge in several areas of biology, especially in population ecology. The study resulted in dozens of articles, book chapters, dissertations and theses and was interrupted by conjuncture factors and abrupt changes in the funding policy for the development of scientific research in Brazil.

Large animal models of heart failure play an essential role in the development of new therapeutic interventions due to their size and physiological similarities to humans. Efforts have been dedicated to creating a model of pressure-overload induced heart failure, and ascending aortic banding while still supra-coronary and not a perfect mimic of aortic stenosis in humans, closely resembling the human condition. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a minimally invasive approach to induce left ventricular pressure overload by placing an aortic band, precisely calibrated with percutaneously introduced high-fidelity pressure sensors. This method represents a refinement of the surgical procedure (3Rs), resulting in homogenous trans-stenotic gradients and reduced intragroup variability. Additionally, it enables swift and uneventful animal recovery, leading to minimal mortality rates. Throughout the study, animals were followed for up to 2 months after surgery, employing transthoracic echocardiography and pressure-volume loop analysis. However, longer follow-up periods can be achieved if desired. This large animal model proves valuable for testing new drugs, particularly those targeting hypertrophy and the structural and functional alterations associated with left ventricular pressure overload.

BackgroundHuman umbilical cord matrix-mesenchymal stromal cells (hUCM-MSC) have demonstrated beneficial effects in experimental acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Reperfusion injury hampers myocardial recovery in a clinical setting and its management is an unmet need. We investigated the efficacy of intracoronary (IC) delivery of xenogeneic hUCM-MSC as reperfusion-adjuvant therapy in a translational model of AMI in swine.MethodsIn a placebo-controlled trial, pot-belied pigs were randomly assigned to a sham-control group (vehicle-injection; n = 8), AMI + vehicle (n = 12) or AMI + IC-injection (n = 11) of 5 x 10(5) hUCM-MSC/Kg, within 30 min of reperfusion. AMI was created percutaneously by balloon occlusion of the mid-LAD. Left-ventricular function was blindly evaluated at 8-weeks by invasive pressure-volume loop analysis (primary endpoint). Mechanistic readouts included histology, strength-length relationship in skinned cardiomyocytes and gene expression analysis by RNA-sequencing.ResultsAs compared to vehicle, hUCM-MSC enhanced systolic function as shown by higher ejection fraction (65 +/- 6% vs. 43 +/- 4%; p = 0.0048), cardiac index (4.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.2 L/min/m(2); p = 0.0378), preload recruitable stroke work (75 +/- 13 vs. 36 +/- 4 mmHg; p = 0.0256) and end-systolic elastance (2.8 +/- 0.7 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.4 mmHg*m(2)/ml; p = 0.0663). Infarct size was non-significantly lower in cell-treated animals (13.7 +/- 2.2% vs. 15.9 +/- 2.7%; Delta = -2.2%; p = 0.23), as was interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the remote myocardium. Sarcomere active tension improved, and genes related to extracellular matrix remodelling (including MMP9, TIMP1 and PAI1), collagen fibril organization and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis were downregulated in animals treated with hUCM-MSC.ConclusionIntracoronary transfer of xenogeneic hUCM-MSC shortly after reperfusion improved left-ventricular systolic function, which could not be explained by the observed extent of infarct size reduction alone. Combined contributions of favourable modification of myocardial interstitial fibrosis, matrix remodelling and enhanced cardiomyocyte contractility in the remote myocardium may provide mechanistic insight for the biological effect.

One of the fundamental questions in population ecology is what factors influence size and stability of populations. Rodents are one of the best-studied mammalian species regarding population dynamics, but little knowledge about rodent dynamics in tropical environments is available, especially in tropical rainforests, where special adaptations in behavior and physiology may have evolved. Here, we used a detailed dataset from a long-term monitoring program to identify the feedback structure (density dependence) and determine the effect of local (rainfall and temperature) and large-scale (El Niño events) climate variables on population dynamics of the climbing mice Rhipidomys itoan in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Individuals were captured and marked (ear tags) from August 2000 to February 2016 and monitored every other month in three trapping grids in trapping sessions of five consecutive nights. Time series diagnostic tools were used to identify the feedback structure and linear models were used to evaluate the relationship between climate and population size. The population was dominated by a first-order negative feedback, possibly as a consequence of intraspecific competition for resources and/or the effect of a generalist predator. Mean maximum temperature with and without one-year time lag acted as the main exogenous factor negatively affecting the population dynamics of this Cricetidae rodent, mainly at low densities. These results have important ecological and conservation implications, since this is the first study elucidating R. itoan population dynamics, a new species classified as Data Deficient by the Chico Mendes Institute for the Biodiversity Conservation of Brazil.

Seasonal breeding is a common feature in the life history of marsupials and has been correlated with temperature, resource availability, and photoperiod. Didelphis aurita is a Neotropical marsupial that reproduces seasonally, with up to two litters per season who will be weaned approximately 100 days after birth. Environmental conditions faced by first- and second-cohort individuals differ at weaning and during the juvenile phase, allowing for variation in survival and reproduction among individuals from different cohorts. In this study, we evaluated the differential survival of D. aurita individuals born in the first and second reproductive events over 21 years. Apparent survival and recapture rates were estimated using the Cormack–Jolly–Seber model implemented in program MARK. Sixteen models that included sex, cohort, and maternal body mass were compared. Overall, 1082 pouch youngs were marked, totaling 160 litters. Survival varied between sex and cohorts, with higher survival rates for females and for the first cohort (males and females) and was positively affected by maternal body mass. Results corroborate the hypothesis of differential survival between cohorts and sex. First-cohort opossums are weaned in a period with great resource abundance and low population density (beginning of the rainy season), favoring their survival. Thus, individuals weaned under good conditions outperformed those weaned under poorer conditions. Overall, cohort variation in survival rates as a consequence of environmental conditions and maternal effects may have substantial effects on population dynamics by affecting population regulation in the following non-breeding season.

INTRODUCTION:The benefit of adding a second arterial conduit is still controversial, mainly in specific subgroups. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score (PS) studies comparing survival and early results in elderly patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with multiple (MAG) versus single arterial grafting (SAG).EVIDENCE ACQUISITION:MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were used to find relevant literature (1960-April 2020). Survival at a ≥1-year follow-up and early outcomes were evaluated. Outcomes were collected from matched samples or PS adjusted analysis: hazard ratio (HR) along with their variance, frequencies or odds ratios. Random effect models were used to compute combined statistical measures and 95% confidence intervals (CI) through generic inverse variance method (time-to-event) or Mantel-Haenszel method (binary events).EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS:Eleven PS cohorts and 1 RCT comprising >18,800 patients older than 70 (>6200 MAG and >12,500 SAG) were included in this meta-analysis. MAG was associated with lower long-term mortality (pooled HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.91, P<0.01, I2=64%) in the absence of higher risk of early mortality (pooled OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.25, P=0.27, I2=0%). In a meta-regression, MAG survival advantage was more pronounced in studies with a higher MAG usage rate (β=-0.0052, P=0.021).CONCLUSIONS:Current evidence suggests that advanced age should not limit MAG's use considering its benefits in long-term survival. Of note, an individualized patient selection for this approach is warranted.

Mercury (Hg) is a widespread and toxic contaminant with potential for long-range atmospheric transport. Previous work has shown that temperate and subtropical montane ecosystems have great potential for deposition of this element. However, little information exists regarding Hg dynamics in tropical mountains. In present study, we evaluated the influence of altitudinal distribution, size, trophic position, and degree of water dependence on Hg concentration in amphibians. For this purpose, we determined the mercury concentration in topsoil and amphibian samples collected at 32 points distributed between 327 and 2181 m above sea level in Serra dos Órgãos, a mountainous complex located in southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the concentration of mercury in whole body samples of 200 individuals of 30 amphibian species. Trophic position of the specimens was estimated by nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N) composition in muscle tissues. We observed a positive relationship between elevation and Hg concentration in topsoil samples from rainforest sites. However, in samples from nebular forest and campos de altitude (highland grasslands) sites, the concentration of Hg was considered lower than expected by the trend in rainforest points, indicating that the vegetation structure plays an important role in the deposition of atmospheric mercury. Mercury concentration in amphibians varies according to the functional characteristics of the species and the environment in which the individual is inserted. Elevation, trophic level and water dependence explained at least some degree of variation in Hg concentration in amphibian tissues. Thus, this community-level analysis suggests that mountainous areas in the tropical region, as recorded for temperate and subtropical mountains, act as regional convergence and deposition sites for atmospheric mercury.

BACKGROUND:It is particularly difficult to choose the appropriate prosthesis to treat infective endocarditis.OBJECTIVES:To investigate the outcomes after aortic valve replacement with a stented bioprosthesis (Trifecta) in patients with active or previous infective endocarditis.METHODS:We performed a single-centre, retrospective study including consecutive patients with infective endocarditis who underwent aortic valve replacement between July 2011 and June 2019. Survival and reintervention were assessed as of December 2021. Hospital mortality was defined as death in-hospital or within 30-days of surgery. Kaplan-Meier method was used for time-to-event outcome assessment (all-cause mortality and reoperation). Data are median (minimum and maximum) or absolute (relative) frequencies.RESULTS:We included 51 patients, median age of 69 (40 to 87) years, 78% male. The median follow-up time was 5.4 years and the maximum was 10 years. Most patients (71%) had native valve infective endocarditis and 16% had previous endocarditis. Surgery was urgent in 82%. Hospital mortality occurred in 10 patients (20%). After excluding these patients, 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-years cumulative survival rates were 93%, 78%, 72%, and 72%, respectively. There were five bioprosthesis-related reoperations: 4 due to endocarditis at 1-year, 3-years, and 5-years on follow-up (n=1, 1 and 2, respectively) and 1 due to non-structural deterioration, 6-years after surgery.CONCLUSIONS:Despite the small sample size, this report supports a satisfactory performance profile of the Trifecta bioprosthesis in the treatment of infective endocarditis.

Myocardial fluid homeostasis relies on a complex interplay between microvascular filtration, interstitial hydration, cardiomyocyte water uptake and lymphatic removal. Dysregulation of one or more of these mechanisms may result in myocardial oedema. Interstitial and intracellular fluid accumulation disrupts myocardial architecture, intercellular communication, and metabolic pathways, decreasing contractility and increasing myocardial stiffness. The widespread use of cardiac magnetic resonance enabled the identification of myocardial oedema as a clinically relevant imaging finding with prognostic implications in several types of heart failure. Furthermore, growing experimental evidence has contributed to a better understanding of the physical and molecular interactions in the microvascular barrier, myocardial interstitium and lymphatics and how they might be disrupted in heart failure. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the factors controlling myocardial water balance in the healthy and failing heart and pinpoint the new potential therapeutic avenues.